Many fireworks vendors shut down in Pulaski County

Randall Ceane came to Somerset to make some money selling fireworks, because Kentucky law now allows the sale of the big stuff like bottle rockets and Roman Candles.

“Straight commission for me. I don’t get paid unless I sell some merchandise,” said Ceane,who has a Fireworks display set up on U.S. 27 near Quality Inn and CVS Pharmacy.

Just before business was about to boom, it was snuffed out. All because Ceane didn’t have a “transient merchant’s license." something he and many others in Pulaski County say they didn’t know they needed.

Pulaski County Sheriff Todd Wood says the law has been on the books since 1986, yet this is the first time his office has been given the task to enforce it.

“Very simply, we’re wanting to make sure everyone is compliant,” said Wood.

The law also states that vendors must display the permits 10 days before starting business. Technically, that would mean vendors wouldn’t be able to open until next week, after the 4th, but the sheriff tells me that part of the law is being waived.

Still, some like Ceane, say the damage has already been done.

“He’s (the county attorney) literally taking tens of hundreds of dollars away from honest businessmen, people trying to make a living,” said Ceane.

The sheriff says it should only take about a day for many of the vendors to get compliant with the law.

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